Cost Comparison Between Crystals and MEMS Oscillators

This document is a technical report that discusses the cost implications of using crystals versus MEMS oscillators in electronic designs. It outlines common design issues associated with crystals, such as cold startup failures and electromagnetic interference (EMI) compliance failures, which can lead to increased engineering costs and project delays. The report details specific scenarios where customers have approached SiTime to address these concerns, highlighting the total cost of ownership for both components. It explains the differences between crystals and oscillators, emphasizing that while crystals may have lower initial costs, the overall expenses can be higher due to engineering time and additional components required for crystals. The report presents various case studies that illustrate the cost savings achieved by using MEMS oscillators in different production volumes. Additionally, it discusses the advantages of oscillators, including ease of design, programmability, and improved reliability, which can lead to significant long-term savings.